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Fire, rain and the selection of seeder and resprouter life‐histories in fire‐recruiting, woody plants
Author(s) -
Ojeda Fernando,
Brun Fernando G.,
Vergara Juan J.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2005.01486.x
Subject(s) - seeder , biology , ecology , cape , woody plant , taxon , geography , agronomy , seeding , archaeology
Summary• Several Cape species of the genus Erica are known to present seeder and resprouter phenotypes, and this variation seems to have a genetic basis. Therefore, this genus provides ideal model systems for using to elucidate the evolution of nonsprouting or seeder and resprouter life‐histories in woody, fire‐recruiting plants. • A simple simulation model was developed to identify, under life‐history optimality, the ecological conditions ( viz. rainfall conditions and fire frequency) that conferred a selective advantage to the seeder phenotype over the resprouter in a given Cape Erica species. • The model illustrated that the seeder life‐history was able to invade and replace a resprouter population only under a mild mediterranean climate, with short, moderate summer droughts. • This simulation approach will contribute to a better understanding of the biogeographical pattern of seeder and resprouter lineages of one of the paradigmatic fynbos woody taxa throughout the Cape floristic region.